Skip to content

10 Best Universities With Outstanding Academic Programs in Nigeria

Updated: December 14, 2023 | Published: April 30, 2019

Updated: December 14, 2023

Published: April 30, 2019

10 Best Universities in Nigeria copy

This guide provides an overview of the 10 best universities in Nigeria. The colleges pride on high-quality training, adequate facilities, several courses, and a wonderful campus life.

Additionally, we have reviewed the option of studying abroad or online at an accredited college like University of the People. Read on to discover the best University for your degree, master’s, or postdoctoral.

1. University of Ibadan

The University Of Ibadan (UI) is located in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state. The college has undergraduate and graduate arts, sciences, and pharmacy programs. Moreover, the college offers education, social sciences, law, medicine, and engineering programs.

Regarded as Nigeria’s number one university, the University of Ibadan has produced several prosperous alumni. The most famous is the Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and M.T. Shokunbi, a renowned scientist.

2. Covenant University

Covenant University is a private Christian university in Ota, Ogun State. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in leadership, development, and management. It also provides technology, engineering, and social sciences courses.

The Christian University ranks as one of the best universities in Nigeria for one main reason — it emphasizes character development and leadership to produce graduates who are scholastically strong and socially responsible.

3. University of Lagos

The University Of Lagos (UNILAG) is a public research university in Lagos. It takes a slot on the list of 10 best universities in Nigeria due to a long-standing status of giving the best in class learning and research.

It offers over 110 undergraduate and 129 postgraduate programs. Its top programs include business, engineering, law, and environmental sciences. Furthermore, UNILAG offers health sciences, management sciences, education, and arts programs.

4. Obafemi Awolowo University

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is located in Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was named after Chief Obafemi, a nationalist and statesman who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s independence.

OAU has 13 faculties and 92 departments offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is an excellent college for students who wish to pursue a course in arts, agriculture, law, and engineering. Likewise, OAU has medical sciences, education, administration, and social science programs.

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The University of Nigeria is in Nsukka, a vibrant town in Nigeria’s southeastern part. People praise the University’s high-quality education and modern research facilities. It collaborates with international institutions like Columbia University to offer quality training.

The University of Nigeria has 15 academic faculties offering undergraduate and graduate courses. You can take a course in agriculture, medicine, and management sciences. Furthermore, the University provides engineering, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

6. Federal University of Technology, Minna

The Federal University of Technology is a top-tier public institution in the bustling city of Minna. FUT stands among the top 10 universities in Nigeria for offering highly-marketable technology courses.

The University has over 48 undergraduate and 119 postgraduate programs. Its top programs include agriculture, engineering, innovative technology, and information and communication technology.

7. Ahmadu Bello University

ABU has a long tradition of academic excellence, so it stands as one of the 10 best universities in Nigeria. It has over 17 faculties, 13 research institutes, and three constituent agricultural colleges.

With over 60 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, students have enough programs to study. They can take engineering, agriculture, environmental design, or law courses. Furthermore, students can enroll in the humanities, education, or life sciences programs.

8. University of Benin

The University of Benin is known for its commitment to academic excellence. Its alumni have significantly contributed to science, business, law, and the arts. Its most popular alumni are Babatunde Fashola, a lawyer, and Tom Ilube, a British entrepreneur.

The University of Benin has 15 faculties offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. You can pursue engineering, law, medicine, education, arts, management sciences, or humanities.

9. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is a public university in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. LAUTECH brags as one of the best higher learning institutions for technical courses. No wonder the University consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in Nigeria

LAUTECH has multiple courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. You can take a program in engineering, pure and applied sciences, and medicine. You can also enroll in management, consumer sciences, or computing courses.

10. University of Abuja

The University of Abuja has a strong focus on research and innovation. It has several research centers and institutes supporting students pursuing various research projects. The college also cooperates with industry partners.

You can enroll at the University of Abuja for engineering, law, medicine, business, social sciences, or arts courses. Furthermore, you can take agriculture, management sciences, and veterinary medicine courses.

Studying Abroad Vs. Studying in Nigeria

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. Universities abroad allow you to experience new cultures and gain valuable skills that benefit you personally and professionally. It is a great way to establish good career connections and make your CV more appealing.

So, where can you study abroad as a Nigerian student? The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany are great options. The countries have top-ranked universities offering a wide range of academic programs.

Study Online as an Alternative to Going Abroad

Studying abroad has several demerits that make it unsuitable for students in Nigeria. For instance, the cost of studying and residing abroad is higher than you’d spend in a Nigerian college.

Nonetheless, the cost shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing your preferred course. Why? You can reduce costs by studying online, an option that eliminates travel, upkeep, and tuition expenses.

While several institutions offer online studies, the University of the People stands out. We offer all our programs online, letting you study from your most convenient place. Other great benefits of studying at the University of the People Include the following:

Multiple American-accredited Programs

University of the People offers certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and associate’s degree programs. You can pursue a program in health sciences, business, information technology, computer science, or education.

Tuition-Free

UoPeople is a tuition-free higher learning facility. Students pay assessment and application fees only. In addition, we have scholarship programs for students from low economic backgrounds.

Simple Application

Unlike colleges with low acceptance rates, we have a 100% acceptance rate. We admit all qualified students as long as they are above 16, have completed high school, and can read in English.

Request for More Information From University of the People

Studying in one of the best universities in Nigeria is not the only path to career success. But you can learn online at an accredited university like University of the People. We offer marketable certificate, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. Connect with our team to learn how to pursue your preferred program online.